Chapter 14: The Royal Routine

The days following the wedding passed by in a blur of royal duties, rituals, and quiet moments shared between King Knox, Queen Amaria, and Prince Alexander. The once grand and solemn palace, which had been filled with the noise of preparations and the grandeur of the royal wedding, now settled into a routine that was both comforting and demanding.

King Knox, the ruler of Eldoria, had his days set with unyielding precision, while Queen Amaria adjusted to the responsibilities of her new life. Despite the heavy mantle of the crown, the palace was not without moments of warmth—especially when Prince Alexander was near.

Morning in the Royal Palace

Each morning began at dawn, with the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the tall windows of the royal chambers. King Knox was usually the first to rise, his disciplined nature driving him to start his day early. He would spend the first hour in his study, reading reports from various ministers, reviewing political matters, and making decisions that would shape the future of Eldoria. His work was never-ending, and his thoughts were always occupied with the responsibilities of ruling.

Amaria, on the other hand, had taken to a quieter routine. She had her own responsibilities as queen, but they were more focused on the people. She would meet with various representatives from the kingdom, hear out the needs of the common folk, and ensure the welfare of Eldoria's citizens was prioritized. It was often during these moments of quiet reflection or meetings with the women of the court that she felt a true sense of connection to her new role.

And then, there was Prince Alexander.

Prince Alexander's mornings were filled with the usual duties of a young prince—lessons in etiquette, history, and language. However, unlike his father's cold, structured routine, Prince Alexander was eager to begin each day with a burst of energy. The moment he awoke, he would run straight to Queen Amaria's chamber, often calling her name with excitement, and more often than not, demanding to see her before anything else.

"Good morning, Mama Amaria!" he would exclaim, his voice full of joy.

Amaria would always smile at his enthusiasm and would usher him into her chambers where breakfast would be served. Though the royal kitchen staff had prepared a magnificent spread of delicacies, Alexander's preference remained simple: fresh fruit, bread, and a cup of warm milk. And, of course, he would always insist on sitting next to his mother, hands clasped together in childish anticipation of the next part of his day.

Once breakfast was over, Amaria would take Prince Alexander for his lessons, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the boy's education, nurturing his curiosity and creativity. Despite her gentle guidance, it was clear that the boy had a deep affection for her, and he constantly sought her approval. Amaria's heart swelled at the sight of him, his small hands reaching out for her as he tried to pronounce words or complete tasks. She knew that her presence was making a difference in his life, providing him with the warmth he so desperately needed.

Midday Meetings

As noon approached, the royal routine shifted towards the more public aspect of their roles. King Knox would hold court, where dignitaries, nobles, and even commoners would seek an audience with him. These meetings were formal and conducted with great decorum. King Knox, though a man of few words, would listen intently to each matter brought before him. His judgment was harsh, yet fair, and the courtiers respected him for his unwavering commitment to his kingdom.

Amaria would often be present in these meetings, offering her insight on matters that pertained to her, especially in relation to education, welfare, and the arts. Though she had no official political power, her voice was one that the court respected. She would sit by the king's side, ever composed and attentive.

Prince Alexander, too, was often present during these sessions, though he rarely spoke. Instead, he would sit by his mother, watching his father with wide, curious eyes, learning by osmosis how to behave in these formal settings. King Knox, while always the stern and focused ruler, had made a concerted effort to include his son in these proceedings, hoping to cultivate a sense of responsibility in the young prince from an early age.

Afternoon and Leisure

In the afternoons, when the formal duties had been completed, there was a slight shift in the atmosphere within the royal palace. Amaria and Alexander would often spend the remaining hours of the day together, taking walks through the palace gardens or reading in the grand library. The palace grounds, expansive and lush, were a place of respite for the queen and the prince. They would often sit beneath the old oak tree, where Amaria would tell Alexander stories of faraway lands and enchanted creatures.

King Knox, who would typically retire to his study to handle matters of state, would occasionally join them for a brief respite, though his presence remained formal. He would observe his son and wife from a distance, his heart a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. Despite his attempts to remain cold and distant, there was something about the way Alexander clung to Amaria's side that stirred something deep within him.

Evenings at the Palace

Evenings were when the family would finally come together, though the royal dinner was always a formal affair. King Knox would lead the family to the grand dining hall, where servants would present them with sumptuous dishes—roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and delicacies from across the kingdom.

Throughout the meal, Prince Alexander would often try to catch Amaria's attention, tugging at her sleeve or whispering something playful in her ear. Despite the king's stern demeanor, Amaria would offer Alexander a soft smile, often giving him a bit of extra dessert when his father wasn't looking. It was small moments like these that formed the bond between them—those moments of tenderness and love that would not be erased, no matter the walls King Knox erected around himself.

After dinner, the family would retire to their chambers. Prince Alexander, now tired from the day's activities, would ask to sleep with his mother, often curling into her arms for comfort. The king, though silent, would retreat to his study once more, the weight of his decisions pressing down on him.

Though his thoughts were often consumed by the responsibilities of his crown, King Knox couldn't help but watch his family from afar. As the days turned into weeks, he found himself struggling with the emotions that stirred inside him when he saw Amaria with his son. There was an undeniable connection between them, and despite his stoic nature, the king could not help but feel an inkling of something he had not allowed himself to feel in years—a sense of peace, of warmth, of family.

Each day in the royal palace was marked by the unrelenting routine of duty and responsibility, but it was in these quiet moments between King Knox, Queen Amaria, and Prince Alexander that something truly changed. Slowly but surely, the family was starting to form a bond, a delicate, fragile connection that would define the future of Eldoria.

The royal routine may have remained the same, but the warmth in the palace was unmistakable—something that King Knox, despite his best efforts, could no longer ignore.